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quote:
About
From electrifying success to near break-down, this is a true tale of a man with a mad plan whose life was unwound … and restrung. – A Film by Mike Enns
Description
He had always considered making guitars a passion, not an occupation, but in 2007, Randall Wyn Fullmer, an ordinary guy with a cat, turned his lifelong hobby into a full-out obsession. To launch on this adventure, he did what anyone else would do — he quit his high paying dream job at the Walt Disney Company, leaving behind a successful 20 year career of creating major motion pictures such as “Chicken Little” and “The Emperors New Groove”. It seemed to make so much sense at the time! With Disney in the rear-view, Randall launched his self-proclaimed “Mad Plan” and began crafting small-batch bass guitars full time.

A team of one, Randall is both the President and sander of all boards. His singular artistic vision is a smooth and silent rhythm that requires no communication, no committee, no meetings and no explanation. This humble philosophy is at the heart of his work: “Repeat what works. Skip what doesn’t”.

Starting out with 22 guitars and a heavy dose of blind optimism, Randall tentatively brought his experimental wares to the Winter NAMM show figuring he would either succeed gloriously or go down in flames. James LoMenzo (Megadeath), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) and Abraham Laboriel (world renowned session bassist) are a few music industry heavy-weights who put Randall’s hand-crafted guitars to the test.

Now he was attracting more work than he knew what to do with, but somehow Randall saw more money going out than coming in. When the LAPD knocked on his door to explain that guitar manufacturing could no longer be done out of his home, he saw his creative life slipping away. Nearly broke and over-worked, this was not the kind of fun he had in mind when he left Disney.

Part artist, part mad scientist, part magician, Randall found a way to escape the forces of doom and continues to craft upscale guitars in his obsessively organized wood shop. Referring to the varieties of wood as though they’re his children, he listens intently to the unique tones each has to offer. Ebony, Bubinga, Buckeye Burl, Swamp Ash and Rosewood are all part of the Fullmer family clan.

From a beginner’s electrifying success to near break-down, this is a beautiful, honest and inspirational portrait of a passionate craftsperson who walked headlong into a foolhardy dream.